Somali Region President Mustefe Mohammed has hailed the Jigjiga model pastoralist village, launched under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, as a paradigm shift, successfully integrating pastoralist lifestyles with urban amenities.
Mustefe noted the changing lives of pastoralists and the increasing influence of urban life, highlighting the migration of pastoralists to towns and surrounding areas due to climate change. The model village, he explained, addresses water and pasture shortages caused by climate change by providing infrastructure such as water, electricity, and roads, and also housing for both the pastoralists and their livestock as reported by AMN.
Mustefe emphasized the importance of expanding these modern villages to ensure pastoralists benefit from advancements in education, electricity, and other developments, connecting them to market demands. The model village aims to bridge the gap between pastoralist and market needs.